If new reports are to be believed, Spanish champions Barcelona are currently monitoring Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole.

According to a Sport report, Barcelona, amidst the Eric Abidal contract extension fiasco, are certain that the Frenchman will leave and now hope to be able to lure Cole, an experienced campaigner, to replace the Frenchman. The Catalan club reportedly even sent scouts to check on Cole, during Chelsea's 1-2 loss to Liverpool on Sunday.

Cole, 30, has been in good form over the past 18 months and should he receive a satisfactory personal offer from the Spanish giants, it may be hard for the London club, who are struggling in the Premier League at the moment, to hold him back.

It is believed that Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas and his counterpart at Barca, Pep Guardiola, are good mates and if the right price is offered, the Spaniards should be able to wrap up the deal quite easily. This may come as good news to Chelsea youngster Ryan Bertrand, 22, who is ready to jump into the first team, following loan spells at Norwich City, Reading and Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea are curretnly fifh in the Premier League.

Ashley Cole has made 228 appearances for Chelsea, since his somewhat controversial move from Arsenal in 2006.